Significance of the insignificant

This was an inductive descriptive study of supportive behaviors and sources of supportive behaviors in 20 critically ill, adult, pretransplant liver patients. Data were collected using a demographic tool and a semistructured interview schedule focusing on sources of support and supportive behaviors. Demographic data were analyzed by using frequencies, and interview data were analyzed utilizing content analysis. Participants were 28 to 68 years of age and considered themselves to be supported and critically ill. Family was mentioned most frequently as a support source. Supportive behaviors included visits, telephone calls, prayers, cards, and talking with the participants. Major themes from the interview data included family, spontaneous support, loss of supporters, encouragement, and the importance of the presence of someone else. Validation interviews were undertaken with a randomly drawn subset. Data underscore the differences in perception of important behaviors between health professionals and patients. Implications for practice are reviewed.